In search of a better quality of life, fulfilling our dreams to see the world and provide ourselves and young children with invaluable experiences, we sold our home and possessions in London to begin our journey of a lifetime.
Here we will share our tips, stories, successes and failures, not only for our families and friends, but also to assist those who may have similar adventures in mind. We hope also to inspire those who relish the idea of travelling to newer and unfamiliar pastures but do not know how and those who require some evidence it can be done.

09 September 2011

Piracanga: How To Kayak In Three Days (For Five-Year-Olds!)

Okay. If you want to get technical it wasn't exactly three days. Zenchai, my five-year-old son, did a little observational research along the way.

For instance, he had on separate occasions and over several weeks got on a kayak with me and his dynamic six-year-old buddy, Antu. While I thought he was there only for the ride, he was actually making mental notes. But he did spend only three days kayaking by himself before getting the hang of it.

Whenever I tried to actively encourage him to kayak, though, Zenchai didn't seem too interested. However, one sunny day and without prompting, Zenchai asked enthusiastically to take out the kayak on to the river. He'd seen Antu on it and that probably inspired him.

He went with Jamie. But, as often happens, he got scared whenever the kayak wobbled and frustrated when it didn't do what he wanted it to.

The next day he tried again, this time with me. Again, he got flustered when the kayak ran ashore and went off in another direction to where he was trying to steer it. I said nothing. I just watched. I've learned sometimes it's better not to offer advice - unless he requests it.

Another sunny morning came. We were all ready to head to the river together until Kobra chose to have a snooze. I took her from mummy and sent Jamie and Zenchai off to have some fun together. I said I'd join them when Kobra woke up - which wasn't until much later.

When I finally did arrive at the riverfront, there was Zenchai whizzing around in the yellow kayak, manoeuvring it as if he was a seasoned veteran. What had happened in the 24 hours following his previous attempt I do not know.

All I can feel certain about is that, when left by himself, he solved the puzzle and found the confidence to succeed through persistence and desire. Great to watch. I felt really proud and impressed.

On a separate note, Zenchai has also started to learn to swim - again by himself. When he first arrived here in Piracanga, he wouldn't even get his hair wet. But then he started to dive under water and now he's beginning to swim front crawl. He definitely didn't learn it from me, because I'm strictly a breastroker!

The moral of these stories is perhaps this - leave the kids to it and they will learn.